Norwich City FITC Pan Disability Squad Participate in National Finals

Norwich City's Football in the Community Scheme took both their Adult Pan Disability Squads to Salford, Manchester to take part in the FA National Disability Football Tournament.

The two teams took part in the ‘Premiership' Division and the ‘League' Division where they had previously won their respective leagues in this seasons Eastern Region League that takes place in Cambridge over the course of the season.

In the Premiership, Norwich were grouped with Chelsea, Everton, MK Dons and Sheffield Wednesday in what proved to be an extremely close and competitive group. Having drew with Chelsea in the opening fixture and then beating Everton by the single goal, they were held to draws in the next 2 games which meant they missed out on qualification by a single point despite not losing a game.

In the ‘League' Division Norwich played in a more open league where goals were a plenty. Once again the players just missed out on qualification, winning one and losing two.

Despite not qualifying for the latter stages both teams done exceptionally well to be involved in such a prestigious tournament and represent Norwich City in such a professional manner.

Disability Officer Darran Lovell said ‘The players have worked very hard over a long period of time to have a chance to play in the national finals. The whole idea of them travelling up the day before, staying over night, eating breakfast together etc gave them an insight of how a professional footballer would prepare for a big match'.

The players who have a range of learning disabilities train once a week and will take part once again in the Eastern Region League in the new season.